Twin Cities groups that work in Haiti, struck Tuesday by a major earthquake, were scrambling to get word of their people and programs, as well as to learn what help they can offer in the coming days.
Mark Crea of Feed My Starving Children had heard from some of the main groups working with the nonprofit Christian organization based in Coon Rapids.
"It sounds like a particularly devastating blow," Crea said. "It takes but a sneeze to cause problems in Haiti."
Feed My Starving Children sent 25 million meals to Haiti last year, the most sent to any of the 64 countries where it works. The food is specially designed to help malnourished children.
Crea was in touch with people by phone and e-mail, but "so far, e-mail is working the best."
The group was working on an emergency response plan, which would be guided by the needs of its partners, he added.
"We do a lot in rural centers and hard-to-reach areas, so we'll have to wait to hear how hard they are hit," said Crea, adding that a meeting already was planned in Miami later in the month, but it will have to wait to hear if people from those groups will be able to get out.
Feed My Starving Children had food already arrived in Haiti as well as on its way before the quake hit, so Crea said the group was looking at how best to release and replenish its food. He was planning to post updates for needs, especially for volunteers, on its website, www.fmsc.org.